Tigers and GB coach preps team for World Championships

Tigers wheelchair rugby players Nick Cummins, Muhammed Islam, Jamie Stead and Gavin Walker will line up against the world’s top 12 teams at the World Championships in Sydney this weekend.

The four players were included in the 12-man Great Britain squad and will fly out to Sydney ahead of the six day tournament on Aug 5-10 at the Quaycentre and Genea Netball Centre.

Great Britain will be hoping to better their previous fifth place finish back in 2014 and will face France, Poland, Columbia, USA and Canada in this year's Pool B fixtures. Host nation Australia are world’s top ranked team and the competition’s reigning champions.

Tigers coaches Darren Matthews and Rob Tarr are also a part of the Great Britain set-up. We caught up with Darren ahead of his travels.

How’s the preparation been ahead of the tournament?

“As we headed into our final camp, we’ve prepared well and I get the feeling the players are just ready to go and play.

I’m sure every coach would want more time but there comes a point where we need to trust in what we have put in place."

What’s the team’s expectations?

“The top teams are so close right now - there’s nothing between us. The team that executes consistently on the day will take that win. I believe we have the ability to beat them all.”

There is now a big Tigers presence in the GB squad, how big a role will this play in the world championships?

“It helps with the team chemistry but to be honest we have put a huge amount of effort into creating a GB team that has the harmony, belief, identity of a club team.

“When you play for Tigers, you’re aware of the strong history, the identity behind us and the support of "Tigers Family". That’s what we are now starting to create within the Great Britain camp.”

Keep an eye out each day this week to hear from our Tigers and Great Britain stars.

Be sure to follow the Tigers wheelchair rugby team on Twitter at the link below for all the latest.

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